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Softaculous is the one-click app installer included in cPanel on every Hostnali hosting plan. It installs more than 400 open-source applications, from WordPress and Joomla to forums, online shops, wikis and learning platforms, and then helps you keep them updated and backed up. This guide covers everything it can do.
Open Softaculous
- Log in to cPanel.
- In the Software section, click Softaculous Apps Installer.
The left sidebar lists apps by category; the most popular ones are on the start page.
Popular apps and our step-by-step guides
| Category | Apps | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Websites and blogs | WordPress | Install WordPress |
| Portals and CMS | Joomla | Install Joomla |
| Lightweight CMS | Geeklog | Install Geeklog |
| Forums | MyBB, Simple Machines Forum | MyBB, SMF |
| E-learning | Moodle | Moodle & school hosting |
| Online shops | WooCommerce (with WordPress), PrestaShop, OpenCart | WooCommerce hosting |
Installing any app: the same five steps
- Choose the app and click Install.
- Choose the protocol and domain: pick https:// and the domain; leave In Directory empty to install on the main domain, or type a folder name (such as forum) to install at yourdomain/forum.
- Site settings: the site name and description, which you can change later.
- Admin account: a username other than “admin”, a strong password and an email address you check.
- Advanced options: database name (usually leave as is), automatic updates and automatic backups. Then click Install.
Most apps install in under a minute, and Softaculous shows the links to your new site and its admin area.
Updating apps
Outdated apps are the main way websites get hacked. In Softaculous, the Installations list shows every app on your account and flags the ones with updates. Click the update icon to upgrade, after a backup. You can also turn on automatic upgrades per installation, at least for minor security releases.
Backups and restores
- Click the backup icon next to an installation to save its files and database.
- Restore a backup from the Backups page in one click if an update or change goes wrong.
- Set automatic backups (daily, weekly or monthly) when you install, or later in the installation’s settings.
These are in addition to the daily server backups included with every Hostnali hosting plan.
Staging and cloning
- Staging creates a copy of a site (for example in a staging folder or subdomain) where you can test new themes, plugins or upgrades, then push to live when you’re happy.
- Clone copies an installation to another domain or folder on your account, which is useful for starting a new site from an existing one.
Removing an app
Use the remove icon next to the installation. Softaculous can delete the files, the database and the database user together. Take a backup first if you might need the content again.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| “The folder is not empty” | Choose an empty folder, or remove the old files first |
| The domain doesn’t open after installing | Check the domain points to your hosting and SSL is active |
| App needs a newer PHP version | Change the PHP version: see how to change the PHP version in cPanel |
| Install fails with a memory error | See fixing PHP memory errors |
A note about older guides
Earlier guides on this blog covered Softaculous in SiteWorx, a different control panel. Hostnali hosting uses cPanel, and the steps above apply to every Hostnali plan. Some older apps, such as LifeType and FluxBB, are no longer maintained; choose an actively updated alternative such as WordPress or MyBB.
Frequently asked questions
Is Softaculous free on Hostnali hosting?
Yes. Softaculous is included with every web hosting plan, and the apps themselves are free and open source.
How many apps can I install?
As many as your plan’s websites and storage allow. Starter hosts one website, Standard five, Executive and Platinum unlimited.
Can I install apps in a subfolder?
Yes. Type the folder name in the In Directory field, for example shop or forum.
